English Cuisine Pubs in London

The Shakespeare & Platform 22 in London is what happens when British pub tradition collides with modern-day train station energy - and somehow, against all odds, it works brilliantly. Nestled right by Victoria Station, this isn't your typical grab-a-quick-pint-before-catching-the-4:15 kind of place. Instead, it's become something of an unlikely hero in London's Victoria neighborhood, where harried commuters and leisure-seeking locals come together in a space that feels both timeless and perfectly of-the-moment. Let's talk about that name for a second. The Shakespeare & Platform 22 sounds like what you'd get if the Bard himself decided to open a railway-themed pub, and honestly, that's not far off from the vibe they've created here. The interior strikes that perfect balance between classic British pub aesthetics and contemporary comfort - think dark wood paneling that's actually seen some history, leather booths that have hosted thousands of conversations, and lighting that somehow makes everyone look like they're starring in their own London-based rom-com. What really sets this place apart from the countless other pubs dotting London's landscape is how it manages to be everything to everyone without feeling like it's trying too hard. During lunch, you'll find local office workers tucking into hearty plates of their famous coke and ale pie (which, by the way, is a religious experience in pastry form). Come evening, the atmosphere shifts as smoothly as a well-oiled train switch, transforming into a buzzing social hub where the after-work crowd mingles with theater-goers and tourists smart enough to venture beyond the standard guidebook recommendations. The food menu deserves its own standing ovation. While the prices won't make your wallet weep (we're talking reasonable London prices here, not budget-breaking territory), the quality consistently punches above its weight. Their Sunday roast has achieved near-legendary status among locals, with portions generous enough to fuel a cross-country train journey. The sharing plates are particularly clever - the jerk bao buns and karage chicken offering a delicious nod to London's multicultural food scene while keeping one foot firmly planted in pub territory. Speaking of drinks - because let's be honest, that's what you're really here for - The Shakespeare & Platform 22 takes its liquid offerings seriously. The beer selection rotates frequently enough to keep things interesting but always includes a solid lineup of both local craft options and familiar favorites. Their wine list is surprisingly sophisticated for a station-adjacent pub, and the cocktails? Well, let's just say they're good enough to make you deliberately miss your train. The atmosphere here deserves special mention. During peak hours, it's got that electric buzz of a London pub in full swing - the kind of energy that makes you want to join in even if you just popped in to use the loo. But there's also something wonderfully comfortable about the quieter moments, when you can sink into one of those leather chairs with a pint and watch the world rush by outside. The staff somehow manages to maintain that perfect pub balance of being there when you need them while letting you enjoy your space when you don't. Dog owners, rejoice - your four-legged friends are welcome here, adding to that community feel that makes British pubs so special. And yes, they do take cards (including contactless), though there's something satisfyingly traditional about paying for your pint with cash. Live music features occasionally, usually striking the right note between entertainment and still being able to hear your dinner companion's latest work drama. For the practical minds among us: yes, you can make reservations (highly recommended for Sunday roast), and yes, they do takeout if you're in a rush to catch that train. The location, literally steps from Victoria Station, means you're never more than a few minutes from wherever you need to be next - though fair warning, this place has a habit of making you want to stay "just one more round." Look, in a city drowning in drinking establishments, The Shakespeare & Platform 22 in London has managed to create something special - a proper pub that feels both authentic and relevant. Whether you're killing time before a train, meeting friends after work, or seeking out one of the area's best Sunday roasts, you'll find yourself in good company here. Do yourself a favor and arrive earlier than you need to - this is one platform you won't mind waiting at.

There's something delightfully timeless about The Fox in London that hits you the moment you cross its threshold. Maybe it's the way the afternoon light streams through the centuries-old windows, casting honey-colored shadows across worn wooden floors that have witnessed countless stories. Or perhaps it's the persistent charm of a proper London pub that's managed to keep its soul while so many others have succumbed to chrome-and-leather modernization. I first stumbled upon The Fox during one of those quintessentially London drizzly afternoons when the city feels like a watercolor painting. What struck me immediately wasn't just the warm welcome (though that was certainly there), but the palpable sense that this wasn't just another cookie-cutter pub trying to cash in on tourist pounds. The Fox has earned its place in London's pub landscape the old-fashioned way – by being consistently, authentically excellent. Let's talk about the atmosphere because it's here where The Fox really shows its cards. The interior strikes that perfect balance between cozy and spacious, with nooks and crannies that seem designed for everything from first dates to friendly gatherings. There's something almost theatrical about the way the space unfolds – each room telling its own story, each corner offering a different perspective on what a London pub should be. The main bar area hums with energy, while quieter spaces tucked away offer refuge for those seeking more intimate conversations. The drinks selection deserves its own standing ovation. The Fox doesn't just serve beer; it celebrates it. The carefully curated rotation of local craft brews sits comfortably alongside traditional ales, and the staff's knowledge is impressive without being pretentious. They'll guide you to your perfect pint with the kind of enthusiasm that makes you feel like you're being let in on a secret. The wine list is equally thoughtful, and their cocktails? Well, let's just say they understand that a proper drink is about precision as much as personality. What really sets this place apart is its ability to read the room. During my visits, I've watched The Fox transform from a sunlit lunch spot where locals linger over reasonably priced meals, to an evening haven where the lighting dims just so, and the atmosphere shifts like a well-orchestrated scene change. The outdoor seating area – a proper beer garden, mind you – becomes its own micro-community when the weather permits, with regular visits from a particularly charismatic local robin who's achieved something of a celebrity status among regulars. Speaking of food, the kitchen knows its audience. The menu hits all the pub classics you'd expect, but each with its own thoughtful twist. The portions are generous without being overwhelming, and the prices feel fair for the quality you're getting. The calamari has achieved near-legendary status among regulars, and the Sunday roast (book ahead, trust me) draws people from across London. They've mastered that elusive art of serving food that's both comforting and interesting – no small feat in a city where dining trends change faster than the weather. The Fox has also embraced modern conveniences without losing its traditional charm. You can book a table online, pay with contactless, and they've even got a clever system for handling food allergies. But these touches feel like natural evolutions rather than forced modernizations. The fact that they welcome dogs adds another layer of authenticity – there's something thoroughly British about sharing your pub space with a four-legged friend. The service style here deserves special mention. The staff has mastered that distinctly British art of being simultaneously professional and familiar. They remember faces, drink preferences, and manage to make both regulars and first-timers feel equally at home. It's the kind of place where you might come in for a quick pint and end up staying for hours, drawn into conversation with the friendly faces around you. For anyone seeking the genuine article in London's vast pub landscape, The Fox delivers in spades. It's not trying to be the trendiest spot in town, and that's precisely why it works so well. Whether you're a local looking for your new regular or a visitor wanting to experience a proper London pub, make your way here. Just don't blame me if you end up staying longer than planned – it happens to the best of us.